As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates that will participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world. Mnqobi Ngobese, DUT Communication’s editorial team member, recently engaged with the DUT Chess star Zamanyambose Mthethwa to share her student experience through sports and academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Zamanyambose Mthethwa
Place of birth: Mtubatuba
Sport code: Chess
Qualification: Diploma in Shipping and Logistics
Q: When did you join the DUT Sport Team?
A: “ I joined the chess team in 2022.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “I have been playing chess for over seven years, making this my eighth year of playing chess. I was always fascinated by mind abstracts, anything that challenges the mind I was up for it. With chess, I first played it as a game on my mom’s phone then went on to find out it was actually a sport in high school, and I have been playing it ever since.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “Since chess is an individual sport game, We can only go far as to support and motivate one another to play their best games in chess. My role in the team is to inspire and to be inspired, New players come in to join the team, bringing in different characters, race, religions, and backgrounds. I believe that one should always lead by an example if they wish to be the change.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “I’m interested in rugby, basketball, and E-Sport. I like rugby because my older brothers used to play it, so I have the fundamentals of it since I used to play with them. I wish to play basketball because I played it during high school. E-Sport is also my choice because I love playing video games.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “The biggest tournament I have participated in is the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA). I was representing my school as well as the country since it was a national level tournament. I managed to obtain a gold medal as well as a silver medals as an individual player in the RSA ladies’ team.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?
A: “DUT should invest in developing students in sports as well as recognising those that have played a role in raising the DUT flag high. Investing in sports is investing in talent because that’s where you get to see the different between skills and talent. Talent goes with passion, so it would not be hard to teach someone how to use what they already have in a more purposeful way.”
Q: Who is your sport role model and why?
A: “Bobby Fischer, his style of play is tactical and an aggressive play which I can say for myself as well. His chess evolves patterns which require a deeper understanding of the game.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?
A: “With the ENVISION2030, I associate myself with the all the values and principals. I choose all because they all fit into my character as an individual. I always thrive to excel in everything I do, in that way I inspire to be consistent when it comes to my work ethics because I know there is a reward for my hard work.”
Q: Do you see a future in chess?
A: “I would say yes and no, no in reference to there being little exposure in South African chess, making it hard for South African players to make a sizeable living out of chess. Yes, if they was a way in which South African chess can get the exposure it truly acquires, I believe chess can be one of the greatest sports because there is a great pool of talented chess players in South Africa.”
Q: As a DUT sport star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “As a DUT sport star, I was able to teach students living students living at the residence some basic principals of chess. I have also been able to represent my local district in one of KwaZulu-Natal’s big tournament where I excelled. I also like fostering unity among team players. I strongly believe teamwork makes us a better university chess team by far.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Chess has taken me to many places, I have met a lot of people, with even greater minds when it comes to chess. Also, chess has taught a way of thinking that makes me more adaptable to sudden changes. It has taught me how to learn and unlearn, being able to not just hear when spoken to but understand what is being said. It has taught me how to analyse situations and how to get out of critical situations.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?
A: “It will be through the regular monitoring of each sport code and social engagements. This will not only motivate the current athletes and players but it will also others to join the sport administration.”
